Seminar+Expectations


 * Expectations for Graded Seminar Discussions**


 * What is a seminar?** A seminar is a student-centered opportunity for discussion and learning. It creates an atmosphere in which students are encouraged to discuss a certain topic or several topics without any sort of instructor intervention.


 * How is it set up?** The classroom will be set up in a circle, as this is the configuration most conducive to discussion. All students will be part of the circle, but the instructor will be a part of the circle, but will not contribute to discussion. The instructor will record who contributes to the discussion, in what manner, and how often.


 * How long will it last?** 45 minutes.


 * What should we talk about?** Students should have a literary and/or rhetorical based discussion of the text. This means that students may want to discuss the following: message, argument, audience, purpose, rhetorical appeals (ethos, logos, pathos), syntax, diction, tone, how the text relates to humanity as a whole, the intentions of the text, the impact of the text, and the success/failure of the text or parts therein.

1. Make sure you have thoroughly read the text(s). 2. Make discussion notes for yourself about topics you would like to address. 3. Mark certain passages in the text that you think are central to the discussion. 4. Have questions ready, but make sure that you come prepared for discussion and not just question-answer sessions.
 * How should I prepare?**

1. Contribute to the discussion more than once. 2. State your point of view (and speak clearly when you do). 3. Don’t be afraid to disagree—in a constructive manner. 4. CLOSE YOUR LAPTOP when you are not directly referring to a quote or part of the text. Look at the speaker. 5. Avoid having side conversations. This is a discussion that involves the entire class. 6. Avoid interrupting others who are speaking. Use your best discussion manners. 7. Avoid monopolizing the discussion.
 * What should I be sure to do/not do during the seminar?**